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Ashraf leaves door open for Butt, Asif's comeback

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Press Trust of India Karachi
Last Updated : Apr 18 2013 | 10:55 PM IST
The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf today offered a lifeline to banned players, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, by not ruling out their chances of making a return to domestic cricket once they have served their bans for spot-fixing.
Ashraf told reporters at the Lahore international airport after returning from Dubai after attending the ICC executive board meeting that form will determine whether both players can resume their careers after serving their bans.
The International Court of Arbitration for Sport had yesterday upheld the bans imposed on Butt and Asif for spot- fixing on the 2010 tour of England.
Both had been banned for a minimum of five years with five years suspended sentence. They have served two years and eight months of the ban period.
"The ICC has given them punishment under the laws of the anti-corruption code and they have to serve it for their misconduct. But once they serve their bans we will see what their form and fitness is," he said.
"Then we will include them in first-class domestic cricket and see how they perform and the selectors will further decide their fate, but there is no room for another such debacle yet again," he said.
Butt, the former Pakistan captain and opener, has said he will try to make a comeback after completing his ban.

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Butt pointed out that while the current Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq was still going strong at the age of 39, he will be around 30 when he completes his ban period.
Pace bowler, Asif will be 32, when he completes his ban.
Ashraf pointed out that due to the strong anti-corruption measures adopted by the ICC and its member countries, it would be difficult for any player to think of spot or match fixing.
"The whole world is a global village and the notes on anti-corruption are being exchanged everywhere in the world. I think for any player now it will be difficult to do match-fixing. If he does it he will destroy his future and bring bad name not only to him but for his country," he added.

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First Published: Apr 18 2013 | 10:55 PM IST

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